An historic debt has been settled in favour of the indigenous peoples of El Salvador, says UN Human Rights representative, Carmen Rosa Villa Quintana welcoming to an historic parliamentary vote, which recognises the country’s indigenous peoples and commits to policies safeguarding their ethnic and cultural identities.

Toxic waste from mining activities and nuclear testing can contaminate the land and water of communities for decades. Serious health effects and pollution interrupt traditional ways of life, according to reports from two UN experts.